Jam Chart for Taste (38 entries)

Debut. Jam section features the same spiraling Trey and Page musicianship, but the lyrics, vocalist, and ending would remain a work in progress for another year. "The Fog That Surrounds" and "Taste That Surrounds" are both very similar (related) songs performed in 1995 as the band tinkered with the format for "Taste." See the song history for "Taste" on this site for more information.

First version with a "Norwegian Wood" (the Beatles) tease, although this one did not signify the end of the jam section. In the future, much debate would ensue over the chordal riff signaling the song's conclusion - "NICU" (which this riff MOST CLEARLY RESEMBLES part of the melody of), "Norwegian Wood," and later, "What's The Use" all entering the discussion.

Powerful Page solo. Like 7/3/97, very good Trey/Page interplay, similar to a good "LxL". And strong Trey. One of the first versions where the "NICU" riff appears immediately preceding the closing sequence.

Played during a thunder and lightning storm of Biblical proportion that prematurely ended Set I, you can hear the thunder crackling in the background. Clearly the storm electrified the band, and if you are a Page fan, this is a must-hear, incredibly intense version.

-> in from "Ghost." Powerful version in which the whole band keeps rocking full tilt throughout the slot where Trey customarily takes the lead. Fish is the hidden gem holding rhythm in check while Trey and Page frenetically spiral up and up the scales.

"DEG" tease from Trey. Another strong '97 version. Maybe not up there with the incredible batch from the Summer, but Trey's solo is patient, very gradually building up the intensity from a relaxed base. Page is rock solid.

Unbelievable playing by Trey and the others as the band builds to a HUGE peak and then drives up over another. 7/22/97 is (literally) electrifying; 8/3/97 is unusually improvisational. This version is just phenomenal, with masterful contributions by all band members.

-> in from an historic "Sneakin' Sally." Strong version, but quite different from most of the Fall '97 versions. Here, Trey solos beautifully, but Page's role seems far more restrained. There is far less of a full band build towards the end than musical support for Trey's incredible soloing. To some ears, the best "Taste" ever. To others, it's too one dimensional.

Mike doesn't get a lot of mention on this chart, but he is really rock solid here, underpinning the harmonic base off of which Trey and Page shine. Still, this version doesn't have quite the "extra mustard" of many '97 versions.

Page has a magnificent solo, and then Trey waits for several measures before starting his solo. Very good band interplay during the build up. There is a cool little spacey cycle (just some long-held notes, to be fair) after the coda.

Enchanting. Page's solo features some unusual stylings and cool chord progressions. Trey's solo is a fairly simple, yet stunningly melodic, and includes a "Dueling Banjos" tease and playing vaguely reminiscent to "Faht". Different from the higher octane '97s, but definitely must-hear.

A damn fine version for any era. Has the four essential ingredients for a strong version: 1) dynamic, virtuosic Page solo; 2) thoughtfully-crafted Trey solo; 3) soaring and spiraling crescendo finale; and 4) stellar rhythmic and harmonic foundation from Fish and Mike.

Perhaps overshadowed by epic versions of "Roggae" and "Rock And Roll," this is nonetheless an excellent "Taste." Trey has some great moments throughout, and of course Page, but do yourself a favor while enjoying this and pay attention to Mike - he is locked-in and rock solid.

-> in from a excellent "Carini." Page is great in this version, which is also features Trey playing both a "Norwegian Wood" tease early in his solo, as well as the "NICU" riff signaling the concluding section. > to a strong "Ghost."

"Taste" gets its first true jam, and it's a doozy, too. Darker-than-usual jamming leads to a lovely shift to major-key blissfulness, Trey's chord playing giving the jam some real warmth. The music shifts to more powerful, if still low-key rocking out, Page's piano at the forefront, then builds to a superb finish. Dies out and > into a superb "Wingsuit".

Jam chart versions are selected because of improvisational and other characteristics that distinguish these from typical versions of the song.
The jam chart team has highlighted some versions with a yellow background; these are the versions the team believes to be especially improvisational, or otherwise notable.
A purple date indicates that you were in attendance.

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